Apparatus for gripping sporting equipment and method of using it

ABSTRACT

A sports equipment grip apparatus having a grip member having a side wall, a lengthwise opening disposed between a first end and a second end permitting insertion of a sports equipment item, the side wall being configured to snugly conform to the sports equipment item; a plurality of coplanar rings extending radially from the side wall, being equal in size and fitting onto a user&#39;s fingers; wherein the apparatus trains the user in holding and using a sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user&#39;s finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user&#39;s fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/397,785, filed Sep. 21, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent that it is not conflicting with the present application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to sporting equipment and more specifically to accessories for using with clubs, bats, poles, rods, rackets, and other similar sporting equipment held in the user's hands.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many people who wish to improve their performance in various types of sports or recreational activities have difficulties while learning proper form, or do not have the knowledge or guidance for achieving the proper form or grip of an object used in the sport or activity. In particular, users practicing or playing with sporting equipment such as a baseball bat, golf club, tennis racket, fishing rod, or any other similar piece of equipment may have difficulty achieving the proper form while holding and swinging the equipment. For example, some golfers may find that they struggle with achieving the correct grip when holding a golf club. Using the correct grip with the club positioned in the pad of the middle, ring, and pinky fingers can be important to a proper golf swing, and can affect the player's game. However, some golfers may not have the strength to hold the club with the proper grip, or may be in need of practice. Some golfers may improperly grip the golf club by gripping too much in the palm rather than the fingers. Another problem may be that during practice or training, the user may position the club differently each time they practice a swing, which may lead to an inconsistent swing or may hinder the user's ability to improve their swing. Some golfers may also squeeze too hard and use excess pressure to grip the club, which may also cause problems with their swing, which may also lead to pain or risk of injury. These golfers may need some assistance in gripping the golf club properly while they build up their strength or continue their practice to achieving the proper grip. As another example, users practicing or playing baseball may experience similar problems while using a baseball bat. Similar issues may arise for users engaging in other sports or recreational activities involving a club, bat, racket, or similar sports equipment item.

Continued practice while using an improper grip may be a serious issue for sports participants, players, athletes, or casual users, due to the possibility of an improper grip being learned by the user. The improper grip may become a habit for the user, and continually using poor or improper form may lead to risk of injury or pain. Again, similar problems may also be present for users practicing or playing other sports or activities that involve holding an item in their hands, such as, for example, baseball, tennis, badminton, fishing, and so on. Therefore, there is a need for a solution to these problems.

The aspects or the problems and the associated solutions presented in this section could be or could have been pursued; they are not necessarily approaches that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, it should not be assumed that any of the approaches presented in this section qualify as prior art merely by virtue of their presence in this section of the application.

BRIEF INVENTION SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In an aspect, a sports equipment grip apparatus is provided, having a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a plurality of coplanar rings extending radially from the proximal cut of the cylindrical side wall, the coplanar rings being equal in size and being configured to fit onto a user's fingers; and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to train the user in holding and using a sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user's finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user's fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member, and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to be worn selectively on user's left or right hand and selectively with the lengthwise opening facing the user's palm or with the lengthwise opening facing the user's fingers.

Thus, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user's muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training in order to develop sensory memory, such that the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus.

In another aspect, a sports equipment grip system is providing, having a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a glove for a user's left or right hand; and an attachment means for securing the grip member to the glove; wherein the sports equipment grip system is configured to train the user in holding and using the sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user's finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user's fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member.

Again, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user's muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage, again, is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training, the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus. Another advantage is that the user may be provided with the convenience of a sports glove equipped to be used with a grip member for training or practicing purposes, for example.

In another aspect, a method of holding and using a first sports equipment item is provided, having the steps of: providing a sports equipment grip apparatus comprising a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of the first sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the first sports equipment item; wearing the sports equipment grip apparatus; applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item; widening the lengthwise opening by applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item, the grip member having a shape memory and being flexible such that the portion of the first sports equipment item is pushed and received into the lengthwise opening; aligning the portion of the first sports equipment item with bases of the user's fingers, grasping the first sports equipment item with the user's hands, such that the portion of the sports item is held in the user's fingers, with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position; moving the user's arms while holding the relaxed grip and being in the suitable position; and making contact between the first sports equipment item and a second sports equipment item.

Again, an advantage is the user may be provided with proper form and grip of the equipment item while tension and pressure in the user's muscles and hands are reduced. Another advantage, again, is that the user may learn how to achieve the proper grip such that through practice and training, the user may properly hold and use the equipment item without the assistance of the grip apparatus.

The above aspects or examples and advantages, as well as other aspects or examples and advantages, will become apparent from the ensuing description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes, aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention are illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows the front perspective view of a sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 2A-2B show the back perspective view of other examples of the golf club grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 3A-3C show the front view, the bottom view, and the side view, respectively, of the grip apparatus worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 4A-4B show the front view and the bottom perspective view, respectively, of the golf club grip apparatus worn on a user's hand without a glove, according to an aspect.

FIG. 5 shows the partial back perspective view of the golf club grip apparatus worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of a user's hands gripping a baseball bat in an example of a relaxed grip and a suitable position, according to an aspect.

FIG. 6B shows a front view of a gloved hand with the golf club grip apparatus used to hold a golf club, according to an aspect.

FIG. 7 shows the front view of an open gloved hand with a golf club held in place by the golf club grip apparatus worn on the hand, according to an aspect.

FIG. 8 shows seven examples of golf club grip apparatus that may be provided to fit a user's hand and golf club, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of another example of a two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a sporting equipment grip apparatus that may be used as a glove insert, according to an aspect.

FIG. 12A shows the front view of a glove with a pocket that may be used with an insert grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 12B-12D show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 12A-12D show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a two-ringed single slot sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus, according to an aspect.

FIGS. 15A-15C show the front view, the top view, and the side view, respectively, of another example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus worn on a user's hand, according to an aspect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

What follows is a description of various aspects, embodiments and/or examples in which the invention may be practiced. Reference will be made to the attached drawings, and the information included in the drawings is part of this detailed description. The aspects, embodiments and/or examples described herein are presented for exemplification purposes, and not for limitation purposes. It should be understood that structural and/or logical modifications could be made by someone of ordinary skills in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.

For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled elements across the figures (e.g., 102 and 402, etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, example or aspect, then the conflicting description given for that particular embodiment, example or aspect shall govern.

FIG. 1 shows the front perspective view of a sporting equipment grip apparatus (“grip apparatus,” “grip apparatus,” “holder,” or “golf club grip apparatus”) 100, according to an aspect. A sports training device may be provided as a grip apparatus 100 as shown. The grip apparatus 100 may be used for any sport or activity involving a club, pole, rod, bat, racket, or any other similarly cylindrically-shaped or substantially cylindrically-shaped piece of equipment, item, or instrument held in the user's hand or hands. The apparatus may force or aid the user in positioning the equipment item within the fingers or base of the fingers as opposed to the palm, and thus gripping the equipment item substantially with the fingers rather than the palm. The apparatus may provide assistance to the user for proper positioning of the equipment, such as, again, at the base of the fingers, for maximum leverage during use. An advantage may be that the grip apparatus 100 may reduce the user's need for over-gripping the equipment item or instrument and thus may reduce pressure and tension in the user's hands. Holding and using the sports equipment item in a suitable position and alignment may also prevent injury when the user strikes an object with the item, or produces a swinging motion, or any other movement, for example.

The grip apparatus 100 include at least one ring 101-a or may include a plurality of rings. As an example, the plurality of rings may be a double ring 101 (“double ring,” or “double ring support,”) comprising two rings 101-a and 101-b, and a curved flange grip member 102 (“curved grip member,” “curved grip member,” “grip member” or “grip portion”). The curved grip member 102 may have a half-moon shape or similar curved shape, or the curved portion may be greater than a half-moon, and the grip member may be horizontally connected to a double ring 101. A double ring support 101 may be included by proving two rings 101-a and 101-b, which may be placed on a user's hand, by threading a user's finger through each ring 101-a and 101-b, in order to hold the grip apparatus 100 on a user's hand. The rings of the plurality of rings in a grip apparatus, such as the examples shown as 101-a and 101-b, may be coplanar, and may all be the same size. An advantage may be that a grip apparatus 100 may be reversible, and the same apparatus may be worn on a user's left hand or right hand.

As another example, the grip apparatus 100 may be provided with any other suitable attachment means for holding the grip apparatus 100 to the user's hand, such as, for example, straps or bands. The curved grip member 102 may be ergonomically shaped such that the grip apparatus 100 is comfortable for the user to wear and may fit naturally in the hand of the user. The grip apparatus 100 may then assist the user in developing proper form, strength, and sensory memory for holding a golf club or similar sporting equipment item by bearing at least a portion of the weight of the golf club or similar sporting equipment item. An advantage may be that the grip apparatus 100 may also promote proper grip pressure by, again, preventing the user from over-gripping or applying excess pressure, which may cause an uncomfortable pinching in the fingers and hands. The combination of the rings 101-a and 101-b and the grip member 102 may help to properly position the sporting equipment being held by the user, such that the shaft of the sports equipment item may be positioned on the pads of the user's palm, below the middle, ring, and pinky fingers. An advantage may be that the user may be assisted in proper alignment of the sports equipment item in their hand, and may consistently correctly position the equipment item throughout their training, such that proper muscle movement and sensory memory may be developed through repetition of movements while using the grip apparatus 100. Another advantage may be that relaxation of the muscles during use of the grip apparatus may assist the user in achieving proper speeds during swinging the sports equipment item or instrument. Thus, the user may be assisted in achieving consistent strikes and solid contacts with the bat, racket, club, or other sports equipment item. The grip apparatus 100 may also be ergonomically shaped, such that the grip apparatus 100 is comfortable for the user to wear and hold. The grip apparatus 100 may also facilitate grip assistance to the hand of the user, such that the user no longer has a need to apply excessive pressure to the hands while holding the sports equipment item. While applying excess tension or pressure, the user may be unable to achieve the requisite speeds needed while using the sports equipment item. Thus, an advantage may be that the muscles of the user may be exposed to less tension and strain. Another advantage may be that relieving tension in the muscles of the user may also assist in the user achieving the proper speeds needed during movement of the hands and arms while holding and using the sports equipment item.

As an example, any suitable materials may be used for construction of the grip apparatus 100, such as PVC or any other type of plastic. The composition of the material used to construct the grip apparatus may contain varying percentages of softer material such that the grip may be more or less flexible. The rings of the plurality of rings in a grip apparatus may be consistent in size in a single apparatus, such that a single grip apparatus may be used interchangeably on the left or right hand of a user. The grip apparatus may also be provided in different sizes of rings mixed and matched with different sizes of the grip member, such that a user may select any grip apparatus for their needs, comfort, personal preference, or fit for their sports equipment item.

FIGS. 2A-2B show the back perspective view of other examples of the golf club grip apparatus 200, according to an aspect. The grip apparatus 200 may be of any suitable shape and size for a user to comfortably wear on their hand and hold a golf club or other piece of sporting equipment, and may be constructed of the following example dimensions. As shown by FIG. 2A, the golf club grip apparatus may for example be 0.542 inches by 1.909 inches by 1.997 inches and may be 0.384 cubic inches in volume. As shown by FIG. 2B, as another example, the golf club grip apparatus may be 0.541 inches by 1.909 inches by 1.998 inches and may be 0.192 cubic inches in volume.

FIGS. 3A-3C show the front view, the bottom view, and the side view, respectively, of the grip apparatus 300 worn on a gloved hand, according to an aspect. The grip apparatus 300 may, for example, be used as a golf club grip apparatus. Some golfers may choose to wear gloves while golfing such as the glove 306 shown as an example. The grip apparatus 300 may be worn over the glove 306, as shown. The grip apparatus 300 may be worn by putting the two rings 301-a and 301-b (not visible in FIG. 3A) onto the middle 303-a and ring 303-b fingers as shown, for example. When worn, the golf club grip apparatus 300 may rest on the palm side 304-a of the hand of the user. Again, the grip apparatus 300 may be worn on either a left or a right hand and may be suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users. As shown in FIGS. 3B-3C, the grip apparatus 300 may be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user's fingers, a positioning that may be preferred for users wearing the grip apparatus for activities such as baseball, golf, and other similar sports, for example. As will be discussed when referring to FIGS. 15A-15C, the grip apparatus 300 may also be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user's palm.

FIGS. 4A-4B show the front view and the bottom perspective view, respectively, of the golf club grip apparatus 400 worn on a user's hand 407 without a glove, according to an aspect. As examples, the grip apparatus 400 may be worn with a glove as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, or without a glove as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B. Again, similar to the examples shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the rings 401-a and 401-b of the double ring support may be worn on the middle 403-a and ring 403-b fingers of the user, with the curved grip member 402 held in the palm 404-a of the hand. The curved grip member 402 may be placed approximately where a golf club, baseball bat, fishing pole, or any other similar equipment is held during normal use.

FIG. 5 shows the partial back perspective view of the golf club grip apparatus 500 worn on a gloved hand 507, according to an aspect. As shown, the rings 501-a and 501-b may fit snugly on the middle 503-a and ring 503-b fingers, for example, of the user, and may be visible from the back side 504-b of the hand. The rings 501-a and 501-b may be positioned all the way to the base of the fingers. As shown as an example in FIG. 5, if the rings 501-a and 501-b do not fit on the user's fingers 503-a and 503-b all the way to the base of the fingers, the user may then be signaled that a different size of rings may be selected for use. The user may select the proper size of ring associated with the appropriate size of grip member needed for their chosen activity or sport. The grip apparatus 500 may have a snug fit on the hand such that the grip apparatus 500 may stay in place while the hand is moved.

FIG. 6A shows a front view of a user's hands 607 gripping a baseball bat 605-a in an example of a relaxed grip and a suitable position, according to an aspect. As shown, the suitable position for gripping a sports equipment item such as a baseball bat 605-a is in the user's fingers 603, rather than in the user's palm. The relaxed grip and suitable position as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B may be achieved with the use of the sports equipment grip apparatus worn one or both of the user's hands, for example.

FIG. 6B shows a front view of a gloved hand 607 with the golf club grip apparatus 600 used to hold a golf club 605, according to an aspect. A relaxed grip in a suitable gripping position such as the example shown in FIG. 6A may be achieved with the use of a sports equipment grip apparatus. The golf club 605 may be inserted into the curved grip member portion 602 of the grip apparatus, as will be apparent in referring to FIG. 7. The grip apparatus 600 may hold the golf club 605 or any other similar piece of sporting equipment by tension and friction. The golf club 605 may be snapped or inserted into the curved grip member 602 of the grip apparatus 600, and may then be held in place by a friction seal between the grip apparatus 600 and the club 605. The grip apparatus 600 may also maintain a hold on the golf club 605 by the curved grip member 602 retaining its curved shape in a tight tensioned grip around the club 605. As an example, the curved grip member 602 may be flexible such that a golf club 605 or any other similar sporting equipment item may engage the curved grip member 602 by applying force to the curved grip member 602 and widening the opening of the curved grip member 602. Upon placement of the golf club 602 into the curved grip member 602, the curved grip member 602 may then revert to its original shape, and grip the golf club 602 in a locking manner. As shown, the user may then have a loose grip on the golf club 605 when the golf club grip apparatus 600 is in use. The grip apparatus 600 may be strong enough to hold the weight of the golf club in the curved grip member (as shown in FIG. 7). Thus, the grip apparatus may assist the user in achieving proper form and proper golf club grip, allowing the user to hold the golf club 605 without exerting excess pressure in the user's hand 607. The golf club 605 may be removed from the curved grip member 602 by applying force to the golf club 605 to pull the club 605 out of the curved grip member 602, such that the engagement of the club 605 to the curved grip member 602 is unlocked.

FIG. 7 shows the front view of an open gloved hand 707 with a golf club 705 held in place by the golf club grip apparatus 700 worn on the hand 707, according to an aspect. Again, the golf club 705 may be inserted or snapped into the curved grip member 702 as shown, and may fit snugly in place. Again, the golf club 705 may then later be removed by pulling the club out of the curved grip member 702. The curved grip member 702 may be flexible to allow the insertion and removal of the club 705, and may also have memory such that its original shape is maintained when force is not applied to the curved grip member 702. A suitable or preferred positioning of the golf club 705 into the user's hand may be achieved by the grip member 702 aligning the club 705 onto the bases of the fingers of the user's hand, such that the club 705 or any other sports equipment item is held within the fingers of the user rather than the palm of the user. A suitable positioning of the sports equipment item in the fingers of the user may have the advantage of helping to prevent injury or tension. For example, impact between a baseball bat and a ball, or any other sports equipment item and other equipment or object may cause unwanted vibrations in the user's hand when an unsuitable grip is used or when the object is hit off-center. By forcing the sports equipment item in the user's fingers and thus allowing a relaxed or loose grip in the hand, the user may be assisted in achieving a suitable motion and ultimately may be able to achieve a suitable grip and motion without the aid of the grip apparatus, through repeated use and development of sensory memory by repetition while using the grip apparatus.

FIG. 8 shows seven examples of golf club grip apparatuses 800 that may be provided to fit a user's hand and golf club, according to an aspect. A user may select any preferred size or shape of a golf club grip apparatus 800 that comfortably fits onto their fingers and securely holds the size of golf club that they wish to use in conjunction with the grip apparatus. The double rings 801 may be smaller or larger to fit smaller or larger fingers, and the size and shape of the grip portion 802 may vary to fit different types of clubs and user's hands. As an example, the grip member 802 of a grip apparatus may be shorter than the length of the rings, or equal to the length of the rings, or longer than the length of the rings.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, another top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus (“three-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus,” or “three-ringed grip apparatus”) 900-a, according to an aspect. As an example, the user may select a grip apparatus having a plurality of rings according to their personal preference or comfort. The user may use a grip apparatus having two rings, or three rings as shown as an example by 900-a. The three-ringed grip apparatus 900-a may provide a stronger support or stronger grip than the two-ringed grip apparatus. An advantage may be that a user with limited strength may have greater ease in using the sports equipment item when assisted by the support of a three-ringed grip apparatus. The two-ringed or three-ringed grip apparatus may, again, provide differing levels of comfort or ease of use to different users.

The three-ringed grip apparatus 900-a may be used for a fishing rod, for example. The three-ringed grip apparatus 900-a may, for example, include a curved grip member 902, and a ring support 901 having three rings 901-a, 901-b, and 901-c. The user may select any preferred attachment means such as three rings or two rings, for example, for attaching or securing the grip apparatus to their hand. The sport or recreational activity the user intends to use the grip apparatus for may influence their decision on the type of grip apparatus to be used. For example, a three-ringed grip apparatus 900-a may be used for practicing baseball, while a two-ringed grip apparatus as shown in FIG. 8 may be used for golf, and a slotted grip apparatus (as shown in FIGS. 13A-13D and FIGS. 14A-14D) may be used for fishing. As examples of dimensions that the three-ringed grip apparatus 900-a may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member 902 may have a height of 1.01 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member 902 may have a length of 2 inches.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the rings may be circular in shape, or may be oval, or any other suitable shape. The rings 901-a-901-c may be constructed in various sizes and fits and may be shaped to conform to the shape and size of the user's fingers.

As shown in FIG. 9C, the curved grip member 902 end may be a partial circle, such as, for example, a half-circle, or three-quarters of a circle, or more. As an example, a portion of the grip member 902 may have an arc that is larger than a half-circle, or 180 degrees. An arc larger than 180 degrees may have an advantage of achieving a better grip than that of a grip member having an arc of 180 degrees, for example. An advantage may be that users with a weak grip may find a better grip to be more comfortable to use than a grip apparatus with a looser grip. The end of the grip member 902 may be constructed in various sizes and may be shaped to conform to a handle or shaft of a sports equipment item.

FIGS. 10A-10D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of another example of a two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus (“two-ringed sporting equipment grip apparatus,” or “two-ringed grip apparatus”) 1000-b, according to an aspect. The two-ringed grip apparatus may be used for a golf club or a baseball bat, for example. Again, as described when referring to FIG. 1, the two-ringed grip apparatus 1000-b may include a ring support 1001, and two rings 1001-a and 1001-b, and a curved grip member 1002. As examples of dimensions that the two-ringed grip apparatus 1000-a may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member 1002 may have a height of 1.02 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member 1002 may have a length of 2 inches.

FIGS. 11A-11D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of a sporting equipment grip apparatus that may be used as a glove insert (“insert grip apparatus”) 1100-c, according to an aspect. The insert grip apparatus 1100-c may include a curved grip member 1102, and a clip portion (“clip” or “clip portion”) 1109, for example. The clip 1109 may be configured to slip into a sleeve, pocket, or similar portion of a glove, as will be further described when referring to FIGS. 12A-12D, or may be attached by any suitable means to a glove, for example. The clip 1109 may thus also be provided with any suitable means for attaching the insert grip apparatus 1100-c to a glove. For example, clasps, fasteners, magnets, or any other means for attachment may be provided. As examples of dimensions that the insert grip apparatus 1100-c may be constructed in, the curved grip member may have a height of 1.17 inches and a length of 2.33 inches, the width of the curved grip member may be 1.13 inches, the thickness of the clip 1109 may be 0.09 inches, the thickness of the curved grip member may be 0.08 inches, and the height of the clip 1109 may be 0.65 inches.

FIG. 12A shows the front view of a glove with a pocket (“pocket glove,” “insert grip apparatus glove” or “insert glove”) 1206-c that may be used with an insert grip apparatus, according to an aspect. The insert grip apparatus as shown by 1100-c in FIGS. 11A-11D may be associated with a pocket glove 1206-c, or the insert grip apparatus 1100-c may be integral with the pocket glove 1206-c, for example. The pocket glove 1206-c may, for example, include a sleeve or pocket 1208. The pocket 1208 may be provided on the pocket glove 1206-c along the palm of the hand of the user, as shown.

FIGS. 12B-12D show the bottom view, the top perspective view, and the front view, respectively, of another example of a sporting equipment grip apparatus and glove device (“insert grip apparatus and glove,” “insert grip apparatus and glove device,” or “grip apparatus and glove device”) 1210, according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device 1210 may include a grip apparatus 1200-c, and may also include a glove 1207. The sports training device 1210 be provided as a glove with a grip apparatus integral with each other, or, as another example, may be provided as a glove that may have a grip apparatus inserted into it. A pocket glove 1206-c may be worn by the user for sports training purposes, recreation purposes, or other similar sporting uses. The user may then associate a grip apparatus 1200-c with the pocket glove 1206-c by, for example, inserting a clip portion 1209 into the pocket 1208 of the pocket glove 1206-c. The clip portion 1209 may be held securely in place within the pocket 1209 by friction, for example. As another example, a grip apparatus and glove device 1210 providing a grip apparatus integral with the glove may be worn by the user. A grip apparatus and glove device 1210 may be provided with a curved grip member 1202 of the grip apparatus 1200-c at the palm of the user's hand for receiving a piece of sporting equipment, such as, for example, a baseball bat, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a golf club, or any other similar item.

FIGS. 13A-13D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a two-ringed single slot sporting equipment grip apparatus (“single slot grip apparatus,” or “two-ringed single slot grip apparatus”) 1300-d, according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device may be provided as a two-ringed grip apparatus as shown, having a single slot or cutout 1311 provided in the grip member 1302, which may be used for insertion or proper positioning of sporting equipment, such as a fishing rod. Various pieces of fishing rod equipment may be fitted into the cutout 1311. The single slot grip apparatus 1300-d may thus be provided with a curved grip member 1302 having two curved grip members 1302-a and 1302-b. The individual portions of the grip member 1302-a and 1302-b may also be able to conform to oddly-shaped or irregularly-shaped fishing rods, for example. The single slot grip apparatus 1300-d may also include two rings 1301-a and 1301-b. The cutout 1311 may provide the user with a guided positioning for a fishing rod or similar piece of equipment, for example. Varying levels of hand strength and personal preference, comfort, and flexibility of the user may determine the type, shape, or amount of cutouts, for example. As examples of dimensions that the two-ringed single slot grip apparatus 1300-d may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member 1302 may have a thickness of 0.10 inches, the cutout may be 0.33 inches long, and the curved grip member may have a height of 1.02 inches and a length of 1.91 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member 1302 may have a length of 2 inches.

FIGS. 14A-14D illustrate the side view, the back view, the top view, and the back perspective view, respectively, of an example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus (“three-ringed double slot grip apparatus,” or “double slot grip apparatus”) 1400-e, according to an aspect. As an example, a sports training device may be provided as a three-ringed grip apparatus as shown, having two slots or cutouts 1411-a and 1411-b provided in the curved grip member 1402, which may be used for insertion or proper positioning of sporting equipment, such as a fishing rod. Again, the individual portions of the grip member 1302-a and 1302-b may also be able to conform to oddly-shaped or irregularly-shaped fishing rods, for example. Again, the cutouts 1411-a and 1411-b may provide the user with a guided positioning for a fishing rod or similar piece of equipment, for example. Varying levels of hand strength and personal preference, comfort, and flexibility of the user may determine the type, shape, or amount of cutouts, for example. The curved grip member 1402 may thus be provided with three curved grip members 1402-a, 1402-b, and 1402-c, for example. As examples of dimensions that the three-ringed double slot grip apparatus 1400-e may be constructed in, the rings may have a thickness of 0.20 inches, the curved grip member 1402 may have a thickness of 0.10 inches, each cutout may be 0.33 inches long, and the curved grip member may have a height of 1.02 inches and a length of 2.83 inches, and the end of the rings to the end of the curved grip member 1402 may have a length of 2 inches.

FIGS. 15A-15C show the front view, the top view, and the side view, respectively, of another example of a three-ringed double slot sporting equipment grip apparatus 1500-e worn on a user's hand 1507, according to an aspect. Again, as an example, the double slot grip apparatus 1500-e may be worn on the user's hand 1507 with or without a glove, and may be worn by each ring receiving a finger of the user's hand. Three curved grip members 1502-a, 1502-b, and 1502-c may be provided, and two cutouts 1511-a and 1511-b, for example. As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, the grip apparatus 1500 may be worn with the lengthwise opening facing the user's palm, a positioning that may be preferred for users wearing the grip apparatus for activities such as fishing, or other similar sports, for example.

It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like.

Further, as used in this application, “plurality” means two or more. A “set” of items may include one or more of such items. Whether in the written description or the claims, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of,” respectively, are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases with respect to claims.

If present, use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence or order of one claim element over another or the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed. These terms are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. As used in this application, “and/or” means that the listed items are alternatives, but the alternatives also include any combination of the listed items.

Throughout this description, the aspects, embodiments or examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than limitations on the apparatus or procedures disclosed or claimed. Although some of the examples may involve specific combinations of method acts or system elements, it should be understood that those acts and those elements may be combined in other ways to accomplish the same objectives.

Acts, elements and features discussed only in connection with one aspect, embodiment or example are not intended to be excluded from a similar role(s) in other aspects, embodiments or examples.

Aspects, embodiments or examples of the invention may be described as processes, which are usually depicted using a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may depict the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. With regard to flowcharts, it should be understood that additional and fewer steps may be taken, and the steps as shown may be combined or further refined to achieve the described methods.

If means-plus-function limitations are recited in the claims, the means are not intended to be limited to the means disclosed in this application for performing the recited function, but are intended to cover in scope any equivalent means, known now or later developed, for performing the recited function.

If any presented, the claims directed to a method and/or process should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Although aspects, embodiments and/or examples have been illustrated and described herein, someone of ordinary skills in the art will easily detect alternate of the same and/or equivalent variations, which may be capable of achieving the same results, and which may be substituted for the aspects, embodiments and/or examples illustrated and described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of this application is intended to cover such alternate aspects, embodiments and/or examples. Hence, the scope of the invention is defined by the accompanying claims and their equivalents. Further, each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sports equipment grip apparatus, comprising: a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a plurality of coplanar rings extending radially from the proximal cut of the cylindrical side wall, the coplanar rings being equal in size and being configured to fit onto a user's fingers; and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to train the user in holding and using a sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user's finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user's fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member, and wherein the sports equipment grip apparatus is configured to be worn selectively on user's left or right hand and selectively with the lengthwise opening facing the user's palm or with the lengthwise opening facing the user's fingers.
 2. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip member is integrally formed.
 3. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip member is divided into a plurality of lengthwise segments with gaps in between, thus providing flexibility of gripping irregular sports equipment.
 4. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the grip member extends for the entire combined length of the plurality of rings.
 5. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the lengthwise opening extends for about 180 degrees.
 6. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 5, wherein the lengthwise opening is narrower by extending for less than 180 degrees, the side wall being flexible to allow insertion of the sports equipment item through the narrower lengthwise opening and thus achieve a stronger grip by causing the side wall to snugly surround the portion of the sports equipment item for more than 180 degrees.
 7. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 6, the grip member having an original shape, a shape memory and being flexible such that the portion of the sports equipment item is snapped into the lengthwise opening by applying force to the grip member, thus widening the lengthwise opening to receive the portion of the sports equipment item and returning to the original shape to fit snugly around the portion of the sports equipment item.
 8. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of coplanar rings is two rings.
 9. The sports equipment grip apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of coplanar rings is three rings.
 10. A sports equipment grip system, comprising: a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of a sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the sports equipment item; a glove for a user's left or right hand; and an attachment means for securing the grip member to the glove; wherein the sports equipment grip system is configured to train the user in holding and using the sports equipment item with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position, by forcing the user to place the sports equipment item near user's finger base into the grip member before gripping the sports equipment item, such that the sports equipment item is gripped primarily with user's fingers, and in the relaxed grip by providing a supplemental grip of the sports equipment item exercised by the grip member.
 11. The sports equipment grip system of claim 10, wherein the grip member and the glove are integral with each other.
 12. The sports equipment grip system of claim 10, wherein the grip member is removable from the glove.
 13. The sports equipment grip system of claim 12, the glove further comprising a pocket for receiving a clip associated with the grip member.
 14. The sports equipment grip system of claim 13, wherein the clip is substantially rectangular, and extends for the entire length of the grip member.
 15. The sports equipment grip system of claim 10, wherein the lengthwise opening is a narrow lengthwise opening and extends for less than 180 degrees, the side wall being flexible to allow insertion of the sports equipment item through the narrow lengthwise opening and thus achieve a stronger grip by causing the side wall to snugly surround the portion of the sports equipment item for more than 180 degrees; the grip member having an original shape, a shape memory and being flexible such that the portion of the sports equipment item is snapped into the lengthwise opening by applying force to the grip member, thus widening the lengthwise opening to receive the portion of the sports equipment item and returning to the original shape to fit snugly around the portion of the sports equipment item.
 16. A method of holding and using a first sports equipment item, comprising the steps of: providing a sports equipment grip apparatus comprising a grip member having a virtually cylindrical side wall, a first open end and a second open end, and a lengthwise opening disposed between a lengthwise proximal cut and a lengthwise distal cut into the cylindrical side wall and extending between the first end and the second end, the lengthwise opening being configured to permit insertion of a portion of the first sports equipment item into the cylindrical side wall, the cylindrical side wall being configured to snugly conform to the portion of the first sports equipment item; wearing the sports equipment grip apparatus; applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item; widening the lengthwise opening by applying force to the grip member with the first sports equipment item, the grip member having a shape memory and being flexible such that the portion of the first sports equipment item is pushed and received into the lengthwise opening; aligning the portion of the first sports equipment item with bases of the user's fingers, grasping the first sports equipment item with the user's hands, such that the portion of the sports item is held in the user's fingers, with a relaxed grip and in a suitable position; moving the user's arms while holding the relaxed grip and being in the suitable position; and making contact between the first sports equipment item and a second sports equipment item.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the moving step is a swinging motion.
 18. The method of claim 16, the sports equipment grip apparatus further comprising a plurality of coplanar rings extending radially from the proximal cut of the cylindrical side wall, the coplanar rings being equal in size and being configured to fit onto a user's fingers, and wherein the wearing step is achieved by the user placing one of the user's fingers into each ring of the plurality of coplanar rings.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of coplanar rings is two rings.
 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of coplanar rings is three rings. 